U.S. patent application number 11/591900 was filed with the patent office on 2007-06-21 for motor vehicle with an extrinsic force-actuated sliding door and closing state monitoring of a window module.
Invention is credited to Ralf Gerndorf, Jurgen Kraus, Carsten Lapschies.
Application Number | 20070138832 11/591900 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37728233 |
Filed Date | 2007-06-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070138832 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kraus; Jurgen ; et
al. |
June 21, 2007 |
Motor vehicle with an extrinsic force-actuated sliding door and
closing state monitoring of a window module
Abstract
The possibility of extrinsic force-actuated opening and closing
sliding doors and windows of a motor vehicle, in particular by
electric motors, is of known art. Also systems are applied that
interrupt or reverse the closing movement of a sliding door or a
window if too great a resistance opposes the extrinsic
force-actuated movement. Thus in particular the trapping of
extrinsic objects is detected and injuries or damage to objects are
prevented. With a combination of sliding doors and windows that can
open it is, however, also possible that extrinsic bodies protruding
through an open window into the traversing range of the sliding
door are caught by the sliding door movement. In order to minimise
the risk of injuries or damage to objects it is proposed to
register the closing and/or opening state of the window before
and/or during the opening of the sliding door, and, depending upon
the registered closing state or of the window, to permit, delay,
prevent or intervene in the opening or closing movement of the
sliding door.
Inventors: |
Kraus; Jurgen; (Balve,
DE) ; Lapschies; Carsten; (Weinstadt-Endersbach,
DE) ; Gerndorf; Ralf; (Finnentrop, DE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
STETINA BRUNDA GARRED & BRUCKER
75 ENTERPRISE, SUITE 250
ALISO VIEJO
CA
92656
US
|
Family ID: |
37728233 |
Appl. No.: |
11/591900 |
Filed: |
November 2, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
296/155 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E05F 15/40 20150115;
B60J 1/17 20130101; E05Y 2900/55 20130101; B60J 5/06 20130101; E05Y
2900/531 20130101; E05Y 2400/53 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
296/155 |
International
Class: |
B60J 5/06 20060101
B60J005/06 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Nov 4, 2005 |
DE |
10 2005 053 051 |
Claims
1. A motor vehicle with at least one sliding door (1) traversable
along one side of the motor vehicle, actuated by means of an
extrinsic force, which during a complete opening and closing
movement travels through a traversing range, as well as at least
one window module (3) arranged in the sliding door (1) or in the
stationary part of the vehicle bodywork (2) with one window (4)
that can open and shut arranged at least partially within, or in
the immediate vicinity of, the traversing range, wherein the motor
vehicle has a control means to avoid an unintended trapping of
extrinsic objects or body parts, characterised in that the control
means is formed such that it registers the closing and/or opening
state of the window (4) and depending upon the registered closing
state of the window (4) can intervene in the movement of the
sliding door (1) by interrupting, reducing, delaying or reversing
the extrinsic force in the event of an endangered state, wherein
the endangered state is defined in that extrinsic objects or body
parts threaten to intrude into the traversing range because of an
opening released by a window (4) located at least partially within
the traversing range or in the immediate vicinity of the traversing
range.
2. The motor vehicle according to claim 1, characterised in that
the control means are configured such that they permit a movement
of the sliding door only when a window is closed.
3. The motor vehicle according to claim 1, characterised in that
the window (4) that can be opened and closed is driven by a motor
and the control means have a means to register a critical
resistance of the window and are configured such that in the event
of closing the sliding door (1) they firstly initiate a closing
movement of the window (4), and when blocking the closing movement
of the window (4) as a result of detection of the critical
resistance interrupt the drive of the sliding door (1), wherein the
closing movement of the window (4) relative to the movement of the
sliding door (1) has a form of advance movement such that the
endangered state is prevented.
4. The motor vehicle according to claim 1, characterised in that
the control means are configured such that in the event of
detection of an endangered state they can initiate the reversal of
the movement of the sliding door (1).
5. The motor vehicle according to claim 1, characterised in that
the control means have at least one sensor (6, 6'') for the
registration of the closing and/or opening state of the window
(4).
6. The motor vehicle according to claim 1, characterised in that
the control means have at least one sensor (6, 6'') for the
registration of the closing and/or opening state of the sliding
door (1).
7. The motor vehicle according to claim 1, characterised in that
the control means comprise a control unit (7) for the control of
the opening and closing events and for the processing of signals
from sensors (6) to register the opening and closing states of the
sliding door (1) and the windows (4).
8. The motor vehicle according to claim 1, characterised in that
the control means comprise blocking devices that completely or
partially prevent the movement of the sliding door.
9. The motor vehicle according to claim 1, characterised in that
the control means are configured such that they permit a manual,
not extrinsic force-actuated, opening or closing movement of the
sliding door (1) independently of the endangered state.
10. The motor vehicle according to claim 1, characterised in that
the control means comprise delay devices, which delay the automatic
movement of the sliding door up to a point in time at which a
movement of the sliding door (1) is possible without risk.
11. The motor vehicle with a motor-driven window (4) according to
claim 10, characterised in that the control means have a means to
store the opening state of the window (4) and are configured such
that when there is a wish to close the sliding door (1) they
firstly store the opening state of the window (4) and effect the
closing of the window (4); after registration of the closing of the
window (4) without complications they close the sliding door (1)
and subsequently open the window (4) again to its original opening
state.
12. The motor vehicle according to claim 5, characterised in that
monitoring devices are provided that prevent the opening of the
windows (4) when the sliding door is open (1).
13. The motor vehicle according to claim 1, characterised in that
acoustic or optical signal transducers are provided that indicate
an intervention of the control means into the sliding door movement
or its prevention or delay by the control means.
14. The motor vehicle according to claim 1, characterised in that
the window module (3) is a sliding window module and/or a
raising/lowering window module and/or a tilting window module
and/or a swivelling window module.
15. The motor vehicle according to claim 5, characterised in that
the window module (3) has at least one sensor (6) for registering
the closing and/or opening state of the window (4) in or on a guide
rail of a movable window glass element and/or in a glass element
seating of the window module (3) preferably arranged in or on the
window frame of the window module (3).
16. The motor vehicle according to claim 5, characterised in that
the window module (3) has at least one sensor (6) for the
registration of the closing and/or opening state in or on hinge
elements of the window module (3), whose movements relative to one
another are registered by the sensor (6).
17. A sliding door module, equipped for a motor vehicle according
to claim 1, having control means to avoid an unintended trapping of
extrinsic objects or body parts, characterised in that the control
means are formed such that they register the closing and/or opening
state of the window (4) and depending upon the registered closing
and/or opening state of the window (4) can intervene in the
movement of the sliding door (1) by interrupting, reducing,
delaying or reversing the extrinsic force in the event of an
endangered state, wherein the endangered state is defined in that
extrinsic objects or body parts threaten to intrude into the
traversing range because of an opening released by a window (4)
located at least partially within the traversing range or in the
immediate vicinity of the traversing range.
18. A method for the closing or opening of an extrinsic
force-actuated sliding door of a motor vehicle, which in a complete
opening or closing movement travels through a traversing range,
wherein the motor vehicle has at least one window module (3)
arranged in the sliding door (1) or in the stationary part of the
vehicle bodywork (2) with one window (4) that can open and close
arranged at least partially within, or in the immediate vicinity,
of the traversing range, as well as control means to avoid an
unintended trapping of extrinsic objects or body parts, comprising
the method steps registration of the closing and/or opening state
of the window (4) by the control means before and/or during the
opening event, establishment of the presence or the non-presence of
an endangered state, wherein the endangered state is defined in
that extrinsic objects or body parts threaten to intrude into the
traversing range because of an opening released by a window (4)
located at least partially within the traversing range
characterised by the method step permission of the opening or
closing movement of the sliding door (1) by the control means if an
endangered state is not present, or intervention into the opening
movement or closing movement of the sliding door (1) if an
endangered state is present.
19. The method according to claim 18, characterised by the further
method step delay of the opening or closing movement after
registration of the opening or closing state of the windows (4) by
the control means for a period of time until the windows in
particular extrinsic force-actuated as a result of initiation by a
control device (7), are completely or at least partially closed and
the endangered state is no longer present.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] Not Applicable
STATEMENT RE: FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not Applicable
BACKGROUND
[0003] The invention concerns a motor vehicle with at least one
sliding door that can be moved on one side of the vehicle, actuated
by an extrinsic force, in which during a complete opening and
closing movement travels through a traversing range, and also at
least one window module arranged in the sliding door or in the
stationary part of the vehicle bodywork, with one window arranged
at least partially within or in the immediate vicinity of the
traversing range, wherein the vehicle has control means to avoid an
unintended trapping of extrinsic objects or body parts.
[0004] Such vehicles are of general known art. In particular
minivans, SUVs, small buses and small transporters have sliding
doors on one or more both sides of the vehicle. Sliding doors lend
themselves however also to other classes of vehicles, since they
enable easy boarding, and when fully opened free up a large
boarding area, and by means of guidance near the bodywork require
only a small traversing range near the bodywork for the opening and
closing movement.
[0005] Normally vehicles that are fitted with sliding doors also
have window modules in the sliding door or in the stationary
vehicle bodywork in the immediate vicinity of the traversing range.
In some of these vehicles the opening and closing of the windows
arranged in the window module is also possible. A window module
with a window that can be opened and closed comprises at least one
movable window glass element as well as means for opening and
closing the window module and/or window. For window modules
arranged in the sliding door sliding window modules or swivelling
window modules are preferably installed.
[0006] Similarly of general known art is the possibility of
embodying window modules and sliding doors such that the opening
and closing movement is actuated by an extrinsic force, that is to
say is carried out automatically on request, in particular driven
by an electrical motor. In principle, however, hydraulic or
pneumatic actuations of the movement events are also
conceivable.
[0007] For extrinsic force actuated-embodiments care should be
taken that an unusual resistance that opposes the movement is
detected and the extrinsic force actuation is interrupted and/or
the direction of movement is reversed. In these considerations the
possible injuries to persons as a result of trapped body parts are
of primary concern. Here children as a rule are particularly
endangered, since on the one hand they are often not aware of the
hazards, and on the other hand have less strength than adults and
can be more easily injured. However in the case of trapped objects
it is also important that the trapping of an extrinsic object
during an opening or closing movement is detected in order to avoid
possible damage to the extrinsic object or to the vehicle.
[0008] In the case of the motor vehicles cited above, however, only
persons or objects trapped within the window module or between
sliding door and bodywork are detected. However, if a motor vehicle
has both a sliding door and also a window module that can be opened
or closed in the sliding door or in a stationary part of the
vehicle bodywork and in the immediate vicinity of the traversing
range of the sliding door, it can happen that persons or objects
for example protrude through an opened window and out of the
vehicle into the traversing range of the sliding door. Thus persons
or objects can also be trapped between windows and stationary
bodywork, if, for example, a shearing point is formed during the
opening movement between the sliding door and parts of the
stationary bodywork.
[0009] Also persons or objects that protrude through an opened
window arranged in the immediate vicinity of the traversing range
can be caught by exterior areas of the moving sliding door. The
same applies also to a window glass element of a tilting or
swivelling window that itself protrudes into the traversing range
of the sliding door, or, if the window glass element is part of the
sliding door, protrudes out of the traversing range such that a
collision with stationary parts of the bodywork is possible during
the opening or closing of the sliding door.
[0010] In the case of extrinsic force-actuated sliding doors it
must also be borne in mind that relatively large forces are
required for the closing and opening as a result of their weight. A
sliding door must also then be able to be moved, and be opened or
closed, if the vehicle is standing on a downhill or uphill gradient
such that the door must overcome a difference in height. The forces
required for this purpose vary significantly, however, according to
whether the opening or closing is against, or with, an inclination
of the vehicle. As a result of these force differences it is,
however, difficult to determine the critical force at which a
critical condition is recognised as a result of trapped extrinsic
objects.
[0011] While a person when manually opening a sliding door has the
traversing range of the sliding door in the field of vision and
easily detects any extrinsic objects protruding into this
traversing range, for extrinsic force-actuated sliding doors it has
to be taken into account that an activation of the opening or
closing movement can be initiated from positions located at a
distance from the sliding door, for example from the driver's seat,
or by a general closing command from the central on-board
electronics, for example when leaving the vehicle. Often,
therefore, the person who initiates the movement of the sliding
door is unaware of what exactly is happening in the traversing
range of the sliding door.
[0012] For extrinsic force-actuated sliding doors with, at the same
time, an arrangement of a window in the traversing range of the
sliding door, the further problem arises that body parts or
extrinsic objects can not only be trapped between door and
bodywork, but also trapping at the window edge is possible. While
the sliding mechanism of the window itself usually has a sufficient
automatic shut-off mechanism, the door drive pushes against the
door with significantly higher force, however.
[0013] If now the sliding door is moved sufficiently far such that
the window overlaps with parts of the bodywork, an extrinsic object
can similarly be trapped between the window edge and this bodywork
part. In these circumstances, however, it is not the window drive
that is responsible for this trapping; rather the critical movement
is initiated by the very much stronger door drive. While for
trapping of extrinsic objects between door and bodywork the
automatic shut-off mechanism is possibly still sufficient to avoid
injuries; however, when trapping, for example, a child's hand the
window edge presses onto the child's hand with a very much smaller
contact area between window and stationary bodywork part.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0014] The object of the invention is therefore to create a motor
vehicle of the type cited above in which the probability of
injuries or damage is reduced.
[0015] This object is achieved with the invention in that the
control means is formed such that it registers the closing and/or
opening state of the window and, depending upon the closing state
of the window registered, can intervene in the movement of the
sliding door by interrupting, reducing, delaying or reversing the
extrinsic force in the event of an endangered state, wherein the
endangered state is defined in that extrinsic objects or body parts
threaten to intrude into the traversing range because of an opening
released by a window located at least partially within the
traversing range or in the immediate vicinity of the traversing
range. A further object of the invention is couched in the
provision of a sliding door module for the build of the above-cited
motor vehicle as well as in the provision of a method for the safe
closing of a sliding door. These two objects are achieved by Claims
17 and 18.
[0016] By means of the motor vehicle thus configured means are now
made available that allow the opening and closing event of the
sliding door to be made dependent on the closing state of the
window. Depending upon the monitoring and/or control strategy the
opening or closing event can either be totally stopped, delayed or
otherwise influenced so that the endangered state with a danger of
injuries and/or damage to objects is prevented or at least
minimised from the outset.
[0017] Particularly advantageous is the delay of the start of
movement of the sliding door until a point in time at which all
windows in the critical area are completely closed, or at least
closed to the extent that there is no longer any risk of injury or
damage to objects. It is similarly conceivable to register the
exact position of the opened window glass element, and to permit
the sliding door movement only up to a position at which a risk of
injury or damage to objects is not to be feared. In particular in
the case where a plurality of window modules is present a
differentiation of the window module positions can also be made
such that a different traverse path is allowed for the sliding door
according to the window module concerned.
[0018] A logical application of the invention furthermore envisages
that the closing and opening movements of the sliding door and the
windows are coordinated with each other. Thus in a further
embodiment of the invention the sliding door can start to move
while the closing event for a window is still under way; when
reaching the window the door is slowed down or stopped until the
traverse path is again free and is then automatically accelerated
once again. It is also conceivable that the opening of a window is
detected during the opening or closing movement of the sliding
door, and the sliding door movement is immediately stopped.
[0019] A further advantage of the invention lies in the fact that
the equipment features already present in a motor vehicle of the
generic kind can be adopted and used for the invention. A
significant equipment of the motor vehicle with new components is
usually required.
[0020] Moreover a motor vehicle according to the invention can now
be built with equipment variants that have previously been avoided
on motor vehicles of the generic kind (e.g. swivelling or tilting
windows that protrude into the traversing range of the sliding door
when open).
[0021] Here "in the immediate vicinity of the traversing range of
the sliding door" means that the window module is arranged near to
the traversing range such that an opening of the window enables
objects, including the window glass element of the opened window
itself, or persons, to protrude through the window into the
traversing range of the sliding door.
[0022] It can be envisaged that the control means comprise at least
one sensor for the registration of the closing and/or opening state
of the window. Similarly the control means can comprise at least
one sensor for the registration of the closing and/or opening state
of the sliding door.
[0023] Magnetic switches, microswitches, photo sensors or
resistance or induction path sensors, for example, come into
consideration as sensors. Ultimately the decision regarding
suitable registration of the closing/opening state will be made
depending upon sensor arrangement, measurement quantities to be
registered, sensor positioning and other factors that normally have
to be taken into consideration. Other sensors that are suitable
register the rotation of a component, and so permit deductions
concerning the movement and position of the windows or sliding
door. Such a sensor can, for example, be coupled with the drive
shaft of an electric motor serving as a drive unit. The sensor
signals are preferably transmitted in a manner of known art, thus
preferably via cables or via conventional radio technologies.
[0024] It is furthermore important that the control means comprise
a control unit for the control of the opening and closing events
and for the processing of signals from sensors to register the
opening and closing states of the sliding door and the windows.
Here, in particular, one can make use of a control unit that is
present in the vehicle. A functional expansion is all that is
required.
[0025] In a further embodiment it can be envisaged that the control
means comprise blocking devices that completely or partially
prevent the movement of the sliding door. These blocking devices
can, for example, be formed such that when a window is open a
clearance for extrinsic force actuation of the sliding door can be
suppressed electronically by the control unit. Also drive devices
(e.g. electric motors, hydraulic or pneumatic rams) that are
designed for the extrinsic force-actuated movement of the sliding
door can form the blocking device, in which the drive device is
mechanically blocked, or is itself called upon to be a blocking
device. Thus can be avoided that a sliding door that is not
completely open is unintentionally opened further manually than the
control would permit as a result of lack of attention or lack of
knowledge.
[0026] Nevertheless care can be taken to embody the control means
such that they permit a manual opening or closing event that is not
actuated by an extrinsic force. Also in the event of a failure or a
fault in the control means there is a need to ensure that the
sliding door can be opened, even if, for example, the blocking
means are activated. This is necessary, for example, in the event
of hazards such as a fire in the vehicle, to enable a rapid escape
route, or to allow access in the event of a rescue as a result of
an accident. Also simply to ensure usage of the vehicle that is as
derestricted as possible the ability to operate the sliding door
manually even in the event of a system failure can be
desirable.
[0027] The manual operability can be achieved in a particularly
simple manner such that the blocking means do not completely block
a manual movement but simply make it more difficult. The blocking
means can themselves be formed by an electric motor whose internal
resistance opposes a manual movement of the sliding door.
[0028] In particular if the sliding door movement with opened
windows is not to be totally blocked, the control means preferably
comprise delay devices that delay a movement of the sliding door
until a point in time at which a movement of the sliding door is
possible without risk. The delay devices can, for example
controlled via the control unit, delay the clearance of the
extrinsic force actuation for a period of time until closing of the
sliding door has taken place at least up to a point at which the
non-hazardous opening or closing of the sliding door is
possible.
[0029] For operation of the sliding door and the window modules
activation means are provided to start the opening or closing event
of the windows or the sliding door. These can be formed by
conventional actuation switches. By an interaction between the
blocking means, the delay means and the activation means it can be
achieved that when actuating an activation means the closing states
of the window modules and/or of the sliding door are firstly
registered via the sensors.
[0030] Depending upon closing states registered a decision is then
made, according to a control strategy stored in the control unit,
whether the requested activation of an opening or closing event is
permitted, whether windows, if necessary, are firstly to be closed,
or up to which position an opening movement is permitted. If an
extrinsic force-actuated opening event for a sliding door is
requested, a closing event for the window modules can thus
automatically firstly precede this. Here the door handles of the
sliding door can also serve as activation means. For example the
actuation of the door handle can firstly only set in motion a
closing event of the windows, before any movement of the sliding
door is initiated. The same sequence is, of course, also possible
via remote operation.
[0031] Also in order to prevent or to permit an opening of the
window with an already open sliding door only so far such that when
closing the sliding door no risk of injuries or damage exists,
control devices can be provided for the windows. This is because a
window that is opened after the sliding door has been opened and
that protrudes into the traversing range of the sliding door can
easily be overlooked.
[0032] For information purposes acoustic or optical signal
transducers can be provided that indicate an intervention of the
control means into the sliding door movement, or stopping or
delaying of the door by the control means. For example a voice can
request the closing of the windows and can provide the relevant
information that an extrinsic force-actuated opening of the door is
only possible if the windows are closed. Or an acoustic signal can
sound, for example, while the windows are automatically being
closed to provide information concerning the delay of the opening
or closing event. Similarly optical signals or optical and acoustic
signals can, of course, also be used alongside each other.
[0033] The window module can be a sliding window module and/or a
raising/lowering window module and/or a tilting window module
and/or a swivelling window module. The window module preferably has
the sensor for registering the closing and/or opening state of the
window in a guide rail for the movable window glass element and/or
in a glass element seating of the window module preferably arranged
in or on the window frame of the window module. In the case of
swivelling or tilting windows the registration of the closing
and/or opening state can also be effected via hinge elements whose
relative movements or closing states are registered by a
sensor.
[0034] A particularly simple control and coordination of individual
closing and opening events of windows and the sliding door can be
achieved if the window module has an extrinsic force-actuated
window. In the case of manually actuated windows the registration
of the closing state is indeed possible, but not, however, the
initiation of an automatic closing event before the closing or
opening of the sliding door by means of the control means.
Similarly an opening of the windows with an open sliding door could
be achieved by mechanical means only; these however are more
complex to implement than control and monitoring using electronics.
The extrinsic force actuation thereby is effected preferably
electrically using electric motors, but can in principle also be
achieved pneumatically or hydraulically.
[0035] Similarly a window module and also a sliding door module for
a motor vehicle according to the invention are seen as pertinent to
the invention. The same applies for a method for opening and
closing a sliding door of a motor vehicle according to the
invention.
[0036] The sliding door module thereby comprises at least one
window module. The window module comprises at least one window that
can be opened and closed, means for carrying out the opening and
closing movement of the window, as well as means for registering
the closing or opening state of the window. The means for
registering the closing and/or opening state of the window are
thereby formed by at least one sensor. The window module can be a
sliding window module and/or a raising/lowering window module
and/or a tilting window module and/or a swivelling window
module.
[0037] The sensor for registering the closing state of the window
is preferably arranged in or on a guide rail of a movable window
glass element and/or in a glass element seating of the window
module preferably arranged in or on the window frame of the window
module. It can however also be arranged in or on hinge elements of
the window module, whose movements relative to one another are
registered by a sensor and permit deductions concerning the window
position.
[0038] In the method for closing or opening of an extrinsic
force-actuated sliding door of a motor vehicle, which in a complete
opening or closing movement travels through a traversing range, the
closing state of the window is registered by control means before
and/or during the opening for a window module, with a window that
can be opened and closed, arranged in the sliding door or in the
stationary vehicle bodywork in the immediate vicinity of a
traversing range, and depending upon the registered closing state
of the window the control means permits, delays, prevents, or
intervenes in the opening or closing movement of the sliding
door.
[0039] In particular after registration of the closing state of the
window the opening or closing event of the sliding door can be
delayed by the control means for a period of time until the
windows, in particular extrinsic force-actuated as a result of
initiation by a control device, are completely or at least
partially closed.
[0040] With regard to the advantages according to the invention
provided by the window module and by the method reference is made
to the description of a motor vehicle according to the
invention.
[0041] The general invention concept can also be transferred by
analogy to similar areas of a motor vehicle, e.g. a combination of
an automatic convertible hood with an embedded sliding roof, or to
other types of vehicles such as trains or ships. Also the
application of the invention to a sliding door that is not actuated
by an extrinsic force is not excluded. Here, for example, blocking
devices could block the mechanics of the opening mechanism until
the windows are closed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0042] Further features and advantages of the invention ensue from
the dependent claims and from the following description of
preferred examples of embodiment with the aid of the drawings.
[0043] In the drawings:
[0044] FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of a sliding door of
a motor vehicle according to the invention in the closed position
and
[0045] FIG. 2 shows a schematic representation of a sliding door
from FIG. 1 between the closed and fully opened position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0046] FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of an extrinsic
force-actuated sliding door 1 of a motor vehicle according to the
invention in the closed position. The sliding door 1 is arranged
within a stationary part of the vehicle bodywork 2 in a manner of
known art. Not represented are a drive unit and drive means for
actuation of the extrinsic force, which are preferably electrically
operated.
[0047] In both the stationary bodywork 2 and also the sliding door
1 window modules 3 are arranged with windows 4 that can be opened
and closed. In FIG. 1 both windows 4 are shown in an exemplary
manner with opened window glass elements. The window modules 3
comprise, in addition to the windows 4, conventional functional
elements (guide rails and guide bolts, water management systems,
sealing elements, handle elements, drive units for extrinsic force
actuation, means for connection with the bodywork etc) for the
window modules 3; these elements are not represented.
[0048] The window module 3' arranged in the sliding door 1
comprises in an exemplary manner a sliding window 4', indicated by
the dashed line, which shows a movable window glass element. The
window module 3 arranged in the stationary bodywork features a
raising/lowering window module 3', with a window glass element that
can be lowered within the bodywork, in a not completely opened
position.
[0049] The sliding door 1 furthermore has an activation means 5,
here in an exemplary manner in the form of a door handle. Such an
activation means 5 can, of course, also be formed by another type
of switching element. Also its arrangement can be as required, and
can be located, for example, on the dashboard, the operating panel,
or on another location in the interior of the vehicle or on the
exterior of the vehicle.
[0050] In FIG. 2 is represented the sliding door 1 of the motor
vehicle according to the invention from FIG. 1 in an opened, but
not completely opened, position. In contrast to FIG. 1 various
sensors 6 are also shown in FIG. 2 in a schematic manner. The
sensors 6 can feature any kind of measurement value transducers.
According to position, the measurement quantity to be registered,
and arrangement, a decision is made concerning a suitable sensor 6.
Here the sensor 6'' underneath the lower edge of the sliding door 1
registers in an exemplary manner the exact position of the sliding
door 1 in its traversing range.
[0051] The sensors 6', which are arranged in the window modules 3,
in particular in guide rails or glass element seatings of the
windows 4, simply register whether the window in question is closed
or open. It is also possible, of course, to provide sensors 6' that
register the exact window position, or sensors 6'' that establish
only whether the sliding door 1 is open. If one simply wishes to
makes the sliding door movement dependent on the opening or closing
state of the windows 4 or window modules 3, without taking account
of the sliding door position itself, and, vice versa, does not wish
to make the possibility of opening a window dependent on the
opening and closing state of the sliding door, one can, of course,
also do without the sensors for registering the opening and closing
state of the sliding door 1, or the sensors 6'' for registering the
sliding door position.
[0052] The signals of the sensors 6 are either permanently, at
intermittent intervals, or on request from a central control unit 7
(ECU--Electronic Control Unit) transferred to the latter
electrically by cable or using radio technology. If the opening of
the sliding door 1 is requested, for example by actuation of the
activation means 5, the control unit 7 determines the opening
states of the window modules 3 that are located in the immediate
vicinity of the traversing range of the sliding door 1.
[0053] Depending upon the opening state determined the control unit
7 permits the extrinsic force-actuated movement of the sliding door
1 and initiates this, or blocks and/or delays this. If the window
modules 3 themselves possess controllable means for extrinsic
force-actuated opening and closing movements, the control unit 7
initiates a closing event of the windows 4. After closing of the
windows 4 the control unit then initiates the opening movement of
the sliding door 1. It is similarly conceivable that a request to
open the windows 4 is implemented only after registration of the
sliding door position, or is blocked if the latter is opened. An
opening of the windows 4 is advantageously blocked for a period of
time until the sliding door is completely closed.
[0054] The combination represented in FIG. 2 of sliding door
position and window module position is represented in a purely
exemplary manner to illustrate some areas in which it is possible
that injuries or damage to objects can occur. The positions
represented would not thus occur in an extrinsic force-actuated
opening movement, in particular if the method cited above is
applied, since an extrinsic force-actuated opening of the sliding
door 1 according to the invention is to be preceded by a closing of
the window modules 4. A manual opening of the sliding door should,
however, in terms of the invention preferably remain possible. The
letters A, B and C identify three areas in which risks of injury or
damage to objects exist that the invention seeks to minimise. In
these areas in particular bodywork edges 8 and sliding door edges 9
can form shearing points or catch extrinsic objects protruding into
the traversing range.
[0055] In the area A, in particular during an opening movement of
the sliding door 1, an extrinsic object protruding into the
traversing range of the sliding door 1 can be caught by a rearward
sliding door edge 9' or be trapped between the sliding door edge 9'
and the left-hand stationary edge 8' of the window module 4''.
[0056] In the area B, in particular for an closing movement of the
sliding door 1, an extrinsic object protruding into the traversing
range of the sliding door 1 can be trapped between the left-hand
edge 9'' of the window module 4'' and the right-hand stationary
edge 8'' of the window module 4''. Furthermore, when the sliding
door is completely opened the right-hand edge 9''' of the window
module 4' located in the sliding door can also capture an extrinsic
object in area B.
[0057] In area C, during a closing movement, an extrinsic object
can be caught by the left-hand edge 9'' of the window module 4'
located in the sliding door. During an opening movement there
exists a possibility of trapping between the stationary bodywork
edge 8''' and the right-hand edge 9''' of the window module 4'
located in the sliding door.
* * * * *